For over 2,600 years, the production of wine has thrived in the South of France, starting from when the Greeks established Marseille in 600 BC. The cultivation and crafting of wine in Provence have been shaped by various cultures throughout its history. These include the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Gauls, Catalans, and Savoyards, who all contributed to the region by introducing a wide range of grape varieties. These encompass grapes of Greek and Roman roots, alongside Spanish, Italian, and traditional French wine grapes.
Provence experiences a traditional Mediterranean climate, with its southern border being formed by the sea. The winters are mild, followed by hot summers and minimal rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with the grapevines receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunlight each year, twice the necessary amount for the grapes to fully ripen. However, this abundance can have a negative impact if vineyard owners are not cautious, as it can potentially lead to over ripening of the grapes. The viticulture in Provence is influenced by the strong mistral wind that blows from the north. This wind has both positive and negative effects - it can cool the grapes during hot weather and dry them after rain, offering some protection against rot and grape diseases. However, if vines are not properly secured and protected by hillside landforms, the mistral wind can also cause damage. In areas where the wind is particularly strong, it is ideal to have vineyards on south-facing hillsides, as the hills provide some shelter from the strength of the mistral. The choice of grape varieties planted also plays a role in these areas, as south-facing slopes receive the most sunshine, which can easily over-expose delicate and early ripening varieties. Such varieties would be better suited on north-facing slopes in the warm climate of Provence.
Provence has nine wine appellations with AOC status. The Côtes de Provence (featured this month) is the largest followed by Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence. The other 6 AOC are Les Baux-de-Provence, Pierrevert, Bandol (featured this month), Cassis, Bellet and Palette. The geographical boundaries of the Bandol AOC coincide with the cultivation of 8 communes that possess soils rich in silica and limestone minerals. This highly favorable soil composition, in combination with the warm and coastal climate, creates the perfect conditions for the late maturation of the Mourvèdre grape, which is a predominant variety grown in the region. In the production of both red and rosé wines, it is mandatory for Mourvèdre to comprise at least 50% of the blend, although many winemakers prefer to incorporate a larger percentage. Additional grape varieties such as Grenache and Cinsaut are commonly used to complete the wine's overall composition.
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson- General Manager/Wine Buyer
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Grimaud Fleur de Provence Rosé 2023 |
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Region/Country of Origin: Cotes de Provence, St- Tropez, France |
About the Winery: Located at the entrance to the village, the Cave Coopérative des Vignerons de Grimaud is one of the oldest companies in the Commune and certainly the most important in its sector of activity in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Clinging to the slopes overlooking the Gulf, the vineyard benefits from unique sunshine and beautiful maritime influences conducive to its development and essential for the quality of our rosés. Its terroir, heterogeneous but predominantly sandy-shale and limestone, allows the roots to penetrate deep, making the vines less sensitive to lack of water, also favoring the finesse of the aromas and complexity. The vines benefit from deep soils; they are mainly planted with Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle. Each grape variety is skillfully planted on the most appropriate part to allow it to fully flourish. About the Winemaking: All of the grapes go direct to press with minimal skin contact, leading to a pale salmon color and a subtle grip. The must was fermented cold, preserving the freshness of floral aromatics and vibrant fruit intensity. 60% Grenache, 40% Cinsault.
Tasting Notes: Soaring aromatics of watermelon, strawberry, raspberry and rose petal jump from the glass. Flavors of cherry, watermelon and kirsch lead to a wonderful burst of refreshing acidity on the finish. |
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Winemaker: Founded in 1932, with 112 cooperating partners, the Cave today brings together more than 270 members spread across the 12 municipalities of the Gulf of St Tropez. |
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Price: $17.99 btl/$194.29 case |
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Suggested food pairing: Fried Chicken, Pepperoni Pizza, Couscous w/roasted veggies. |
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Moulin del la Roque Les Hauts du Vallon Bandol Rosé 2023 |
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Region/Country of Origin: Bandol AOC, Provence, France |
About the Winery: Founded in 1950 by the winegrowers of la Cadière d’Aazur, St-Cyr-sure-Mer and Sanary-sur-Mer, the Moulin de la Roque cellar was initially designed for the oak barrel maturing of Bandol red wines. In 1964, through the efforts of the winegrowers and following numerous alterations, it became a wine production center. About the Winemaking: Grapes are harvested manually and de-stemmed to avoid harsh tannins. The grapes are transferred to pneumatic presses and the juice flows into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Following alcoholic fermentation, there is a lengthy vatting period of 20-30 days to allow the young wine to come into its own. 62% Mourvedre, 22% Grenache, 16% Cinsault. Tasting Notes: In the glass, Les Hauts du Vallon Rosé reveals a delicate pale pink hue, reflecting the wine's finesse. The nose is a bouquet of summer aromas, with notes of ripe strawberries, citrus blossoms, and a touch of mineral freshness. On the palate, the wine unfolds with flavors of red currants, peaches, and a hint of Provencal herbs. The mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing, leading to a dry and lingering finish that leaves a subtle impression of Mediterranean salinity. |
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Winemaker: Moulin de la Roque is the work of a group of winegrowing families united in the same goal. Since its foundation in 1950, they have worked together in a cooperative and supportive spirit. |
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Price: $23.99 btl/ Case available by special order only |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Nicoise salad, Hummus and pita chips, Grilled herbed chicken, fish tagine. |
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